Assessing Capacity and Capacity Utilization in Fisheries When Data Are Limited

Abstract Excess harvesting capacity is globally recognized by resource managers as a major problem for fisheries. Yet the concept of capacity remains vague, ill-defined, and often ambiguous. Measuring capacity and capacity utilization in fisheries has become more important than ever because of various national and international agreements or policies to reduce fishing capacity throughout the world. In this study, we develop definitions of capacity and a method to calculate capacity, capacity utilization, and optimum input utilization when data on landings, effort, and vessel attributes are all that are available for analysis. We illustrate the method by estimating and assessing the 1987–1990 capacity of 10 U.S. vessels participating in the mid-Atlantic fishery for sea scallops Placopecten magellanicus. We conclude that the 10 vessels had the capability to harvest considerably more than they actually did between 1987 and 1990.